Microwave Food Safety Tips
Published: 2010-08-12
Author: Health Canada
Peer-Reviewed: N/A
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Synopsis: Information and tips on the importance of food safety while using microwave ovens to cook and defrost food. Health Canada is reminding Canadians of the importance of food safety while using microwave ovens.
Main Digest
Health Canada is reminding Canadians of the importance of food safety while using microwave ovens.advertisement
Microwaves are often used as a quick way to cook, reheat or defrost foods. However, as with all other ways of heating food, it's important to remember that foodborne bacteria can only be killed by proper cooking.
It is estimated that there are approximately 11 million cases of food-related illnesses in Canada every year. Many of these illnesses could be prevented by following proper food handling and preparation techniques.
To minimize the risks of food-borne illness, here are some steps to follow when cooking food in microwaves.
Defrosting:
- Make sure to cook foods immediately after defrosting. Never re-freeze the foods that you have defrosted in the microwave.
- Remove foods from non-microwave safe containers and wrappings, freezer cartons, and Styrofoam trays before defrosting and cooking. Only use containers or plastic wraps that are labeled as microwave safe.
- Food should never be left out at the danger zone (between 4oC to 60oC or 40oF to 140oF) for longer than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly in this temperature zone.
Cooking:
- Make sure to defrost foods completely before cooking them in a microwave. Frozen and thawed portions in the same food can lead to uneven heating.
- Cut food up in small portions and evenly arrange the food to minimize overlapping.
- Make sure you use a microwave safe cover or microwave safe plastic wrap to cover the food.
- Follow any cooking instructions for your recipe or instructions on the food packaging and observe the standing times for the food.
- If you are cooking meat in the microwave, make sure to use a digital food thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat and each individual piece. Make sure to also wash your digital food thermometer with warm, soapy water after each temperature reading to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cooked foods are safe to eat when internal temperatures are:
- all ground beef products should be cooked to 71oC (160oF).
- food mixtures containing poultry, eggs, meat and fish should be cooked to 74oC (165oF).
- leftovers should be heated to 74oC (165oF).
- Never cook whole poultry, including turkey, in the microwave.
Reheating Leftovers:
- Make sure to reheat any leftovers until steaming hot. Use a digital food thermometer to check if the center of the food reaches 74oC (165oF).
- Only reheat smaller portion sizes that you may want. Avoid placing reheated leftovers back in the refrigerator.
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Cite This Page (APA): Health Canada. (2010, August 12). Microwave Food Safety Tips. Disabled World. Retrieved September 26, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/cooking/microwave-tips.php